Team Nigeria made an explosive start to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, racking up six medals, including three gold and three silver, on Day 1 of competition.
The reigning Paralympic and Commonwealth champion broke her own world record with a sensational lift of 172kg on her second attempt before returning to lift an incredible 175kg on her final attempt.
Her remarkable performance earned her 134.8 points and Nigeria’s second gold medal of the Games.
Subsequently, she was followed by her fellow compatriot Ferdinand Rita, who claimed Silver with 128.2 points, eclipsing the previous world record of 154kg held by China’s Han Miaoyu.
Ezuruike Opens 2026 Commonwealth Games Medal Floodgates
The medal rush began with Paralympian Roland Ezuruike, who opened Nigeria’s account by claiming a silver medal in the Men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event.
Esther Nworgu delivered the country’s first gold medal of the Games, lifting 123kg to score 119 points and clinch the women’s lightweight title.
Also, Nworgu broke the Commonwealth Games record before returning less than 10 minutes later to improve her own mark, capping a dominant performance.
The competition ended a Nigerian one-two finish as veteran Esther Oyema claimed the silver medal. Oyema successfully lifted 125kg on her second attempt to finish with 115.5 points, ahead of England’s Olivia Broome, who settled for bronze.
Furthermore, Riluwan Idris won Nigeria’s third gold medal, claiming the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting title with a massive 208kg lift.
Competing at a body weight of just 86kg, Idris scored 132.8 points to edge England’s Matthew Harding, who lifted 199kg to score 131.0 points and take silver, and Malaysia’s Nicodemus Moses settled for bronze.
Mixed Fortunes In 3X3 Basketball
Team Nigeria’s Men’s 3×3 Basketball fine start to their 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign suffered a setback after losing 21-15 to defending powerhouse Australia in their second Pool A match.
The Nigerian side entered the contest on the back of an opening-game victory over the Cayman Islands 21-17, looking to build on that momentum against one of the tournament favourites.
In the third game, they lost to New Zealand 10-21.
Nigeria will face Guyana and Scotland on the 26th to determine if they will progress to the Semifinals
Overall, Nigeria finished with six medals: three gold and three silver secured on the opening day,